News Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will start utility repairs and inspections on Route 6, leading to temporary lane closures. These inspections are essential for road safety and will occur daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday. Meanwhile, MassDOT will also inspect Interstate 195 from Seekonk to New Bedford. After a recent fatal accident on I-195, these measures are crucial for ensuring the safety of all commuters. The department is also preparing for changes in exit numbers on Route 6 due to federal mandates.
Seekonk, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will initiate utility repairs and ancillary structure inspections on Route 6, resulting in temporary lane closures starting Monday. These inspections are essential for maintaining road safety and will occur daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday.
During these hours, both eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 6 at Mile Marker 1 will be closed, and drivers are advised to anticipate delays and reduce their speed when traversing the affected area. Additionally, detours will be established for all vehicles traveling in either direction.
Alongside the Route 6 inspections, MassDOT is scheduled to conduct structure inspections on Interstate 195 (I-195) from Seekonk to New Bedford on January 9. These inspections will also take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., causing lane and shoulder closures in both directions. However, at least one lane of traffic will remain open at all times during this period to facilitate the flow of vehicles.
This announcement comes shortly after a tragic three-vehicle crash on I-195, near the Massachusetts-Rhode Island line, resulting in a fatality. The accident occurred around 1:20 p.m. on the westbound side of I-195 near Exit 1 in Seekonk. A 36-year-old man from Springfield, driving a Toyota Highlander, lost his life in the incident. The crash also involved a Ford F-650, whose driver sustained minor injuries, while the driver of a tractor-trailer remained unhurt. The aftermath of the crash prompted the closure of I-195 west at the exit, and motorists were advised to avoid the highway due to multiple lane closures. All westbound lanes were subsequently reopened around 6:30 p.m.
In addition to current repairs and inspections, MassDOT is preparing to change highway exit numbers to comply with a federal mandate set to begin next year. This reconfiguration will affect the existing exit numbers on Route 6, which are currently numbered 1 to 12. To provide additional context for drivers, the new exit numbering system will indicate distance from the route’s starting point. Cape Cod legislators are actively seeking exemptions for Route 6 from these changes, expressing concern over potential impacts on the community.
The costs associated with implementing the exit number changes have been estimated at $2.8 million, with a substantial portion—90%—funded by federal highway funds. To ensure that drivers are well-informed regarding these changes, MassDOT has established a dedicated website for the Exit Renumbering Project, offering resources and information.
As road maintenance and safety inspections are carried out throughout the area, residents and commuters are encouraged to stay updated on traffic conditions. It is crucial for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to detours while the inspections and repairs are in progress. The overall safety of the travel routes in Seekonk remains a top priority for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
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Additional Resources
- ABC6: Route 6 Closure for Utility Repairs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Massachusetts
- ABC6: MassDOT Inspection I-195
- Google Search: MassDOT inspections and repairs 2023
- Cape Cod Times: Route 6 Exit Signs Changes
- Google Scholar: Utility Repairs Seekonk
- Cape Cod: Lawmakers Seek Route 6 Exemption
- Google News: Road Safety Massachusetts
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PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
